PORTSMOUTH FOOTBALL CLUB

It was a familiar tale at Fratton Park.

Colchester have impressed with their start to the season and sat second ahead of a visit to the south coast.

But, like so many before them, the Essex side decided to throw ambition out of the window and try to frustrate Pompey.

It almost worked, only for Gary Roberts to net twice in the final 10 minutes and secure a first victory of the season.

First he won and converted a penalty before latching onto a pass from substitute Conor Chaplin to double the advantage.

And Paul Cook admits that Pompey might have to make some adjustments if they want to collect more victories.

The Blues boss said: “It’s important to score when we’re on top in games like that and I don’t think Colchester offered anything going forward.

“They were happy to get everyone sitting behind the ball and frustrate us – which is something we’re getting used to.

“In the end it was a great day, when it looked like that might not be the case for most of the afternoon.

“When we made our changes we started to lose our way in the game a bit and Colchester looked their most threatening.

“But then we got the penalty and we ended up as comfortable winners, although David Forde made a couple of great saves.

“The reality of this league is that nobody wants to come here and have a match – I’ve struggled to accept that and always thought our football would win us the game.

“We need to search for the right balances, look at different formations and see how we can hurt teams more at Fratton Park. It’s not going to change, so we might have to.”

The win saw Pompey climb up six places in the League Two table and Cook hopes there will be plenty more joy in the weeks ahead.

He said: “It’s such a long season and we’ve only played four games. The supporters here are desperate for success and I can guarantee that we want it as well.

“We’re all desperate to win because this is a massive football city and the people have suffered so much pain over the years. Now we want to have some joy.”